יחזקאל, פרק מ״ה, פסוק ד׳

In the future division of the land of Israel, a fundamental shift takes place in how the priests settle the land. Instead of being scattered across various priestly cities throughout the country, they will gather and live together in a dedicated, holy portion surrounding the Temple where they serve [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This vast expanse of land is set apart in its holiness from the rest of the country. It is a special contribution designated specifically for the priests who minister before God [רד״ק, מלבי״ם], and in particular for the descendants of Zadok [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The territory granted to the priests serves a dual purpose. The outer area surrounding the Temple Mount is designated strictly for residential housing. Unlike the land given to the Levites, the priests will not receive this territory for agricultural use to plant fields or vineyards, but solely as a place to build their homes [מלבי״ם].

Within this larger residential zone lies a specific, central area prepared and designated exclusively for the sanctuary [מצודת ציון]. This distinct middle section, measuring five hundred by five hundred cubits, is reserved entirely for the needs of the Temple itself, including its inner halls [רש״י, רד״ק]. Immediately surrounding the Temple Mount, an empty perimeter is maintained, kept completely free of any houses or planted crops [רד״ק].

Beyond the physical layout, the holiness of the priests' residential neighborhood acts as a spiritual preparation for the sanctuary. By wrapping the Temple in this protective, sacred envelope of priestly homes, the Temple Mount itself is elevated to the supreme level of the Holy of Holies [מלבי״ם].